CNA to CMA to LPN

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I] am a CNA in the state of Illinois. I am planning on becoming CMA then in couple of years becoming a LPN. I am 32 years old so I have been out of school for some time. The reason why I want to become a CMA verses a LPN now is because of timing. The LPN program will take up more of time and I have to continue to work full time because I have two children (one is autistic), a husband and I have a mortgage. I also thinking this is the best route for me because I do have a slight learning disability and I'm thinking even though I am taking the long route to eventually one day becoming a LPN this way would be easier for me academically. I have heard that CMA breeze through the LPN program. I would like the here feedback from anyone who has been in my shoes and went this educationally route that I am.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych.

Sometimes we have to do what we have to do. I have one word of caution: do your research.

In PA, I have not spoken to one person who went to CMA school and had their credits transfer to an LPN program. I have spoken to many students who feel that their CMA training was a waste of time and money since their credits did not transfer. They all ended up taking SEVERAL pre-req's over agin just to get the college credit.

I don't know how it is in other parts of the country, but I would strongly suggest that you look to see if the CMA program is accredited and if the credits will transfer over to the program you are looking to get your LPN from. Also remember, most schools have a 5-7 year time limit for acceptance of science classes. Good luck.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

When you mention 'CMA,' are you referring to a certified medical assistant or a certified medication aide?

If you are talking about a medical assistant, I would avoid becoming one altogether. The program is skills-based, has no nursing theory, and will not really help you with basic nursing skills in the LPN program. The working hours of a medical assistant are not flexible, and the vast majority work during the daytime hours. If you plan to attend a full-time LPN program during the day, you might need to work a part-time or full-time job during the evenings or nights. CNA jobs are flexible in that there are plenty of evening and night positions, but virtually all MA jobs are day shift.

I completed a medical assistant program 7 years ago, and it was the biggest waste of time and money for me. It did not help me with my pursuits in nursing.

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Specializes in Triage, Trauma, Ambulatory Care.

I have to agree with the other two posts ahead of me. CMA doesn't transfer to the LPN and it doesn't use theory that will really give you an edge with the LPN schooling. I don't think it will help you out. I would stick with CNA until I could begin LPN schooling.

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Specializes in Home Health, Case Management, OR.

I was going to get my CMA (Medical Assistant) and work while obtaining my ADN degree until I did some major research online about the job availibility and pay of CMA's. I know that in my area, CMA's make the same as, if not a bit less than a CNA. Not to mention the jobs are extremely hard to come by. We have a CMA who works in a CNA position at my job. My advice would be to research on your own for your locale. I know that credit hours from CMA's do NOT transfer into any LPN or ADN program here. Best of luck to you and I wish you the best in your educational goals!! :)

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Reread what the others have to say and do not make the mistake of going to a CMA program. It is a waste of time and money. Most of them are private programs that charge way too much for what you are getting. It does not make sense to take on deep debt besides your mortgage to pay anywhere from $25000 to $40000 for a program that may be very worthless to you. If you can't start out in an RN prorgram, then struggle through the LPN program. Better prospects for jobs, cheaper, can help you enter some ADN programs. Just a better choice all the way around.

And if you have learning problems, by all means go to the counseling center at your community college or local university and get help with study techniques. My friend was diagnosed with a learning disorder and it helped her get through nursing school because the instructors were mandated to make accommodations for her.

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Specializes in OR-ortho, neuro, trauma.

I went to school for and currently work right now as a certified medical assistant. I went through a private school that cost a ton of money. Luckily where I live there is a major need for cma's and the pay isnt too bad, definatly not a RN's pay but hopefully in 2 years that's where I will be. I can see my basic skills of vitals, injections, and phlebotomy paying off in clincals but thats about it. I'm lucky that i work with amazing doctors who teach me a lot and hopefully that will help me out that when i (god willing) am going through nursing school in the fall. Oh and even though I carried a 4.0 throughout the whole year it didnt mean crap when applying to nursing schools and i had to do all my pre-req's over again.

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Specializes in Family medicine, Cardiology, Spinal Cord Injury.

Just wanna throw in my own thoughts, with the RN shortage coming to an end possibly in 2010, the choice of becoming an LPN vs. RN will decide whether you'll be able to get a job in your desired location/area. In almost all the hospitals in my area, the trend has been going to eliminating the LPN/LVN positions in favor of CNAs and RNs. ECFs/SNFs may probably your only options.

Most schools accommodate people with learning disabilities, you'll have to check with each program. Most hospitals pay for their employees to go to school to get their RN and will work with their work schedule.

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